Powder horn

ABSTRACT

A powder horn or storage pouch in which a body installed as a plug in one end of the horn or pouch serves as a magazine receptacle for lead balls and explosive caps, the body being part of an assembly including a part adjustable to dispense the balls and caps separately and singly from respective areas of containment.

O Umted States Patent 1 [111 3,775,889 Wilburn [451 Dec. 4, 1973 POWDER HORN [76] Inventor: Karl E. Wilburn, Rt. 2, Cedarville, 'f Borchelt Ohio Asszstant ExammerC. T. Jordan Attorney-Jerome P. Bloom [22] Filed: Apr. 17, 1972 [2]] App]. No.: 244,751 57 ABSTRACT A powder horn or storage pouch in which a body in- [52] U.S. Cl. 42/90, 42/] R, 42/87 Stalled as a plug in one end of the hom or pouch lilt- Cl- Serves as a magazine receptacle f l n and Fleld 0 Search 90, 1 R; p i p the being p of an 206/3 eluding a part adjustable to dispense the balls and caps separately and singly from respective areas of contain- [56] References Cited lent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,304 8/1839 Colt 42/87 Chums 12 Draw F'gures POWDER HORN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the art of musketry and particularly to the handling of ammunition components involved in the loading and firing of muzzle loading fire arms.

Sportsmen, hobbyists and collectors have preserved the art of muzzle loading fire arms. There is a continuing effort at improvement, without departing from traditional concepts and uses. Ammunition components, for muzzle loaders, include black powder, lead balls and explosive caps. Traditionally the black powder is carried in a powder horn or in a leather pouch suspended from a shoulder strap. The lead balls and caps are carried in other, separate pouches or in special pockets in a hunting jacket or the like. The balls and caps are thus remote from the powder and are relatively inaccessible. Loading is a slow process and the ammunition components are subject to possible loss and damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention the horn or pouch is constructed to provide a magazine receptacle for the lead balls and explosive caps so that all major ammunition components are carried in one place although, of course, appropriately segregated. In the case of a horn it is customary to plug the large end of the horn, both to retain the powder therein and to provide a place of attachment for the shoulder strap. In carrying out the present invention a plug body is used having a cavity to store the lead balls and providing a separated interior area of containment for the explosive caps. A separable cap member seats on the plug body to close the cavity and forms with the plug body a body means through which the lead balls and caps may be dispensed. Rotatively adjustable means comprised in the body means selects a ball or cap for dispensing. According to a feature of the invention the rotatively adjustable means has a neutral position blocking escape or dispensing of either a ball or a cap and is movable angularly to select either a ball or a cap for dispensing while continuing to confine the other. In one invention embodiment the suspension or shoulder strap attaches to the rotatively adjustable means, which so orients that the weight of a suspended horn tends to position the adjustable means in its described neutral position.

In a further invention embodiment, dispensing of the balls and caps is through different side openings in the plug body. In another embodiment, a single dispenser opening in the side of the plug body is provided common to the balls and to the caps. In still another invention embodiment dispensing is through the cap member and according to a feature of this embodiment the cap member is movable in index steps to expose successive caps or balls for dispensing.

The invention also has in view, in addition to an improved powder horn or the like, a kit by which the possessor of a horn of given dimensions may adapt a standard body means or body assembly to a particular horn. In the kit the plug body and cap member have generally block-like configurations and incorporate magazine storage and selector mechanisms, the body being in a subsequent manufacturing step custom shaped to fit a particular horn and the cap member being correspondingly contoured.

An object of the invention is to integrate magazine storage means for major muzzle loading ammunition components in a single unit, as a powder horn.

Another object of the invention is to provide for selective dispensing of ball and cap elements from the horn magazine in a simplified manner.

A further object of the invention is to confine lead balls and explosive caps in separate areas of containment in the end plug of a powder horn or the like.

Still another object of the invention is to introduce an adjustable element in a magazine storage assembly positionable from a neutral to different control positions to dispense single different ammunition components.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a magazine storage assembly in kit form whereby it may be adapted by or for a customer to a custom fit with a customers powder horn or pouch.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a powder horn constructed in accordance with a first invention embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view in vertical section through the body portion of the powder horn;

FIG. 3 is a view in exploded perspective of the body assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the body assembly of FIG. 2, the cap member being omitted;

FIG. 5 is a view in horizontal section taken substantially along the line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 3, showing the body assembly in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a view in cross section through a body assembly showing a third illustrated invention embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the body means of FIG. 7, the cap member being omitted;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the cap member of the FIG. 7 embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a view like FIG. 8, showing an alternative means of containing the explosive caps and lead balls;

FIG. 11 is a view in cross section showing principally a cap member useful with'the body of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 isa view in perspective of a body assembly in kit form prior to being adapted to a particular powder horn or pouch.

Referring to the drawings, the invention is disclosed in connection with a powder horn although it has utility as well in connection with a pouch or other device to hold gun powder. As shown, a powder horn comprises a horn 20 which may be natural or simulated. It is hollow, to hold gun powder which may be poured from the small end of the horn directly into a gun muzzle. The powder end is normally closed by a stopper 21.

At the opposite or large end of the horn is installed a plug body 22 which may be made of wood, plastic or other suitable material, preferably one that may be shaped to match the usually out of round configuration of the horn cross section. The plug body has a snug frictional fit within the horn and preferably has a stepped exterior so that a projecting part of the body may act as a relatively uninterrupted continuation of the horn. The body projects a substantial distance beyond the horn, its projecting portion serving not only as a closure for the large end of the horn but, as will be seen, as a storage place or magazine for lead balls and caps. Together with a cap member 23 it comprises a body assembly or body means. From the body means projects a handle 24 having a selector function, as will hereinafter more clearly appear, and serving also as a means of attachment for one end of a shoulder strap 25. The other end of the strap 25 attaches to the small end of the horn which may in this connection be provided with ring formations 26 and 27 to anchor the strap.

The plug body 22 terminates at its outer end in a flat planar face 28. A circular recess 29 is in the body and opens through face 28. Within the body 22, recess 29 terminates short of the opposite or inner end of the body, leaving a wall 31 of substantial thickness between recess 29 and the interior of horn 20. A lateral opening 32, having a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the largest lead ball to be stored, is formed in the body 22 to communicate with recess 29 near its bottom.

A circular sleeve 33 is received in recess 29 and rests on the bottom thereof. The sleeve 33 has an outside diameter corresponding approximately to the diameter of recess 29, the parts being so dimensioned as to cause the sleeve to fit relatively closely within the recess but to be freely rotatable therein. The sleeve 33 is made of a wear resistant material, preferably metal or plastic to be readily machined and for a non-binding bearing within the body 22. As installed in the recess 29 and seating to the bottom thereof, an upper end portion of the sleeve 33 projects upward relatively to the body face 28. The handle 24 extends from the upper projecting end of the sleeve 33 and may be an integral out turned part thereof. In the illustrated instance, however, the handle 24 is a strip of a relatively rigid material bent over at its inner end to be received in a slot 34 in the upper end of the sleeve and united therewith in a soldered or like joint. The handle 24 disposes to have a substantially bearing contact with face 28 and projects relatively thereto in a radial sense. In its outer extremity the handle has a slot 35 by which an end of the shoulder strap 25 is attached thereto. The lower end of sleeve 33, or that end opposite the place of attachment of handle 24, is formed with circumferentially spaced apart cut-outs 36 and 37, the former being larger than the latter. Attached to the interior surface of the sleeve is a tube 38 closed at its ends and having adjacent one end an opening 39 corresponding approximately in configuration to the sleeve cut-out 37. The tube 38 is made of a relatively rigid material to hold its shape and is suitably fixed to the sleeve 33 as for example by appropriate brackets or, as in the illustrated instance, by being joined thereto in a soldered connection. The tube is shaped to a spiral formation so that one end thereof disposes near the upper end of the sleeve 33 while the opposite end disposes near the bottom end of the sleeve with opening 39 aligning with cut-out 37. Intermediate its ends the tube curves in a continuously declining manner and flushly contacts the internal wall of sleeve 33.

The cap 23 is or may be made of a material like that of which plug body 22 is made. It has a flat planar under surface 41 a large part of which is occupied by a central, shallow recess 42. The cap 23 superposes upon the plug body 22, with under surface 41 approaching a bearing contact with face 28. The recess 42 corresponds approximately in diameter to the outside diameter of sleeve 33 so that the upper end of the sleeve is received in recess 42, allowing a relatively close approach of surface 41 to the face 28. A peripheral cut-out 43 in the cap member 23 corresponds approximately to the width of handle 24. The cap member is applied to the plug body 22 with cut-out 43 registering with handle 24 which accordingly disposes in cut-out 43, allowing the cap member a close approach to the plug body, as described. The cap member is further structurally characterized by a relatively small diameter through bore 44 at the middle thereof. A screw post 45 has one end suitably imbedded in the wall 31 at the lower end of the plug body and projects in an axial sense upwardly through and beyond the upper end of sleeve 33. In applying cap member 23 to the plug body, through opening 44 therein is aligned with the screw post 45 which thrusts through and upwardly of the cap opening as the cap member achieves a seating relation to the plug body. An upper projecting end of the post 45 is screw threaded and a cap nut 46 is threaded thereon to hold the cap member in place.

The cap member 23 accordingly closes the upper end of the plug body and forms therewith a closed interior receptacle recess as defined by the interior space surrounded by sleeve 33. This receptacle space or recess serves as a storage place for leads balls 47 indicated (FIGA) in a substantially diagrammatic manner. The tube 38 serves also as an area of containment, in this instance as a magazine or storage place for explosive caps 48. Cut-outs 36 and 37 in the sleeve 33 provide respectively for discharge of the balls 47 and caps 48 from their places of containment. The cut-outs 36 and 37 are spaced apart a sufficient distance as to leave an intermediate blank or imperforate space 49 of sufficient circumferential extent as to achieve a fully closing relationship to the plug body aperture 32. With the sleeve so positioned, an escape of either the lead balls 47 or the explosive caps 48 is prevented. Should the sleeve 33 be turned angularly to a position aligning cutout 36 with aperture 32 then a lead ball is free to feed out of cut-out 36 and out of aperture 32, the cut-out 37 continuing to remain closed by virtue of facing a blank portion of the interior wall of recess 29. An angular movement of the sleeve 33 in the opposite direction may serve to align discharge opening 37 with aperture 32 for single discharge of the caps 48, while the cut-out 36 remains closed. The sleeve 33 accordingly may be considered as having a neutral position wherein escape through both cut-outs 36 and 37 is closed and as being alternatively adjustable from neutral position to dispense from aperture 32 either a lead ball 47 or an explosive cap 48.

The angular positioning and re-positioning of the sleeve 33 is accomplished by rotative impulses applied through the handle 24. The handle occupies a selected position on the periphery of the sleeve 33 so that when it is in a position substantially coinciding with the long axis of the horn 20 sleeve 33 is in its neutral position, that is, with blank sapce 49 facing aperture 32. When the horn is freely suspended from the strap 25 this is the position handle 24 tends to assume and so may be considered the normal position of the parts. A person carrying the horn suspended from his shoulder may in a grasp of one hand encompass both the handle 24 and the aperture 32 and may manipulate the handle in either direction selectively to dispense either a lead ball or a cap which drop through the aperture 32 into his hand. If desired, the neutral position of the sleeve 33 may be suitably marked on the exterior of the plug body with respect to which mark the handle 24 is variously adjustable.

Being raised from what may be considered the floor of the lead ball storage compartment, the tube 38 does not inhibit a free movement of the balls to cut-out 36. The spiral formation of the tube permits a large part of the tube to be elevated above the balls while retaining a connection to the cut-out 37 in the lower part of the sleeve. lt facilitates also a gravity feed of the caps to the discharge outlet. The cut-out 36 might under some circumstances be bridged by a pair of balls in a manner to impede a free movement of the balls out of their storage compartment. To obviate any such happening, side edges of the cut-out 36 may be provided with in turned wings 51 which project into the ball storage compartment and allow the balls to reach cut-out 36 only one at a time. The wings 51 could, of course, be omitted and tube 38 could be made to lie in a single horizontal plane at any desired vertical level of the sleeve 33. In the event of a locating of tube outlet opening 39 above the plane of aperture 32, however, a separate body aperture would have to be provided for discharge of the explosive caps.

A form of two exit construction is shown in FIG. 6. In this instance, a horn 52 has a plug body 53 provided with an aperture 54 on one side thereof and an aperture 55 in a substantially diametrically opposed position on the opposite side. An interior sleeve 56 has spaced cutouts S7 and 58 corresponding generally in formation and location to the cut-outs 36 and 37. In a neutral position of the sleeve 56, the cut-outs 57 and 58 lie between the apertures 54 and 55 and so are closed or sealed off. Angular adjustment of the sleeve in one direction from neutral aligns cut-out 57 with aperture 55 while angular adjustment in an opposite direction aligns cut-out 58 with aperture 54. In this instance, therefore, the lead balls and explosive caps are individually and separately dispensed as in the first embodiment but through respectively different apertures in the plug body. A cap magazine tube 59 disposes within the sleeve 56 in a single horizontal plane at the level of thecut-outs 57 and 58. Communication from the tube with a sleeve cut-out is through an aligning tube opening in the same manner as in the first described embodiment.

FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate a further invention embodiment in which dispensing-of the lead balls and explosive caps is through the superposing cap member. In this embodiment a plug body 61 mounts in a horn 62. A recess 63 therein opens through an outer face 64 and corresponds generally in function to the recess 29 of the first considered embodiment. In this instance, however, the recess 63 has at one peripheral location a vertically disposing offset bore portion 65 openly communicating with the recess. In the face 64 and extending either all the way or part way around the plug body to either side of bore 65 is a series of recesses 67. The recess 63 provides a cavity for holding a supply of lead balls. Bore 65 is a ball exit passage. The recesses 67 provide cavities for individual explosive caps. A screw post 68 is imbedded in the bottom of recess 63 and projects axially upward through and beyond face 64. A cap member 69 is adapted to seat to face 64 in a closing relation to recesses 63 and 67 and has a central through opening 71 through which screw post 68 projects. A nut 72 mounts to the screw post to hold the cap member in a seated, superposing position on the plug body. At the periphery of the cap member is a marginal flange 73 which fits over the peripheral edge of the plug body, allowing a generally flat planar under surface 74 of the cap member to seat squarely to the face 64. The arrangement is one to prevent intercommunication between the recesses 67 and to hold stored caps against accidental dislodgement from their respective recesses. Additionally, recess 63 is prevented from communicating with the recesses 67. Cap 69 further is formed with a dispensing aperture 75 opening through surface 74 and through the top of the cap member and located in a radially displaced relation to the central opening 71. The aperture 75 is sized to pass either an explosive cap or a lead ball and is located to register with bore 65 and to include recesses 67 within its reach. Accordingly, the aperture 75 in cap member 69 can be selectively aligned either with bore 65 or with selected recesses 67 by an appropriate angular turning movement of the cap member. A neutral position is defined in which the aperture 75 superposes over the blank portion 66 of the face 64 out of direct alignment with bore 65 or with any one of the re-cesses 67. Both bore 65 and all of the recesses 67 are in this position of the cap member closed. By rotating the cap member angularly the aperture 75 may be aligned with bore 65 and the parts so positioned as to allow a lead ball to be dispensed from recess 63 by an appropriate tilting movement of the horn. Other angular adjustment may be used to open one of the recesses 67 to registry with the aperture 75 and allow for dispensing of a contained cap. In indexing like movements of the cap member additional or successive recesses 67 may be uncovered for .the dispensing of single, successive caps.

The cap member may or may not be provided with a handle serving the purpose of the handle 24. In the absence of such a handle, a strap anchor may suitably be made a part of cap 69 or of nut 72. In the illustrated instance the cap member 69 has on its underside a substantially radial groove 70 extending through flange 73 and receiving a handle which is suitably fixed at an inner end to the cap member. An outer end of the handle is in relatively projecting relation to the cap member and provides a ready means for effecting angular indexing movements thereof. The handle provides also a-slot for attachment of a shoulderstrap and it will be understood in this connection that the parts are so oriented that in a freely suspended position of the pow der horn the cap member 69tends to occupy-a neutral position, that is, a position in which dispenser opening 75 therein is non-aligned with respect to bore 65 and recesses 67. y

The concept of storing and dispensing the lead balls and percussion caps through the upper face of the plug body has advantages of simplicity and ease of manufacture which may make it a preferred form of the invention. In turn a'preferred means of utilizing this principle may provide for individual containment of both the lead balls and the caps. Such a means is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In that illustrative embodiment a plug body 76 has a flat planar upper face 77. Opening through face 77 is a central recess 78. In partly surrounding relation to central recess 78 is an arcuate series of recesses 79 each sized individually to accommodate a lead ball. Between the ends of the series of recesses 79 is a flat land area of face 77. In alternating relation to the recesses 79, and in a radially offset outward location is a series of smaller recesses 81 each sized individually to accommodate a percussion cap. In the land area interconnecting the series of recesses 79 are additional cap recesses 81, leaving, however, a blank space 82 defining a neutral cap position in accordance with preceding discussions.

A cap member 83 according to this invention embodiment has a flat undersurface 84 from which extends a central porjection 85. The projection 85 is adapted to fit into the central body recess 78, the projection and mating recess acting to center the cap member on the plug body and to provide an axis for relative rotary movement. Toward its outer periphery the cap member 83 is formed with a through opening 86 serving as a common exit for the lead balls and caps. At its upper or outer end, opening 86 is circular. At inner face 84, however, it is locally expanded to an elongated configuration. The wall of the opening 86 extending between the ends thereof is thereby provided with a sloping surface portion 87. As the cap 83 is rotated, in a circular sense, the opening 86 is positioned and formed to align with the series of recesses 79, and, by virtue of its locally expanded periphery, recesses 81 lie in its reach.

With the cap member 83 mounted in place on the body 76 and projection 85 received in recess 78, undersurface 84 seats flushly to face 77. Recesses 79 and 81 may be closed thereby except as they may be selectively opened by angular adjustment of the cap member to align opening 86 with a selected recess 79 or a recess 81. In this connection it will be understood that when cap opening 86 is aligned with a recess 81 between a pair of ball recesses 79, the cap opening effectively bridges the pair of ball openings to either side, blocking the escape of a ball from either thereof. Sloping surface 87 provides a form of inclined ramp by reason of which a cap in an exposed recess 81 may slide to and through the upper end of the cap opening 86. Land 82 on face 77 may be used to define a neutral position of cap 83 in which opening 86 is out of registry with any of the recesses 79 or 81.

Note that the cap recesses 81 may just as well be centered in respect to the radial extent of recesses 79 or even be positioned radially inward thereof. In this last event the sloping surface 87 will position radially inward of the opening 86, displaced 180 from the position shown.

Completing the cap and body assembly, in the FIGS. -11 embodiment, is a screw post 88 and a cap nut 89. The former anchors in the plug body in the bottom of central recess 78. Cap nut 89 is applied thereto in a following relation to the cap member, which has a central post opening 91, and holds the parts in an assembled relation. The cap nut 89 is apertured to allow a ring 92 to attach thereto. The ring provides a place of connection for one end of a shoulder strap which in previously disclosed embodiments is attached to a handle projecting radially from the cap member. Indexing movements of the cap member, to move exit opening 86 to and from neutral position and to align with selected containment recesses, are in this instance effected by direct hand adjustment.

The various invention embodiments may appear in a finished horn or pouch ready for immediate use or sale. The invention also finds expression, however, as a kit by which a customer adapts a body means to use with his particular horn. Natural horns have no uniformity and the large end which receives the body means will usually have an irregular, out of round configuration. It is accordingly contemplated that a sportsman, hobbyist or the like desirous of providing a born with integrated magazine means be provided with a kit, as

shown in FIG. 12. In the kit a solid block member 93 constitutes the plug body. The block member is preformed with a central cavity, such as the recess 29, or the recess 63, or recess 78. A cap member 94 is constructed like the block 93 and superposes thereon. Nut means 95 corresponding with appropriate internal screw post means 96 holds the cap member in place. The block member and the cap member will additionally be pre-forrned in accordance with one of the disclosed embodiments for dispensing of contained balls and caps. In the illustrated instance a single exit side construction like that of the FIG. 1 embodiment is illustrated so that the block member has a single lateral opening 97. Sleeve means 98 corresponding to the sleeve 33 is installed in the cavity in block 93 and an operating handle 99 projects therefrom between the block and cap members. In an appropriate hand or machine operation, the customer reduces and shapes the exterior surfaces of the block 93 to fit a particular horn on hand. If sizes and dimensions permit, the entire plug body formed from the block may be inserted into the horn, leaving only a projecting portion of the sleeve 98 to interengage with a superposing cap member. In this instance, an aperture would be made in the horn to reg ister with the aperture 97. More commonly, the block is slightly reduced at its lower end to fit within the horn while a defined external ledge seats to the horn extremity. A close fit may be obtained obviating the need for additional connectors, although a supplemental cementing of the parts may be found desirable. The cap member 94 is shaped in correspondence with a finished plug body and so seats thereon as a continuing part of the body. The interior cavity of the plug body may be eased as required to insure free turning movement of the selector sleeve therein. The weight of a suspended, completed horn tends auto-matically to position the selector sleeve in a neutral position as heretofore discussed.

In the various embodiments here disclosed certain areas of containment have been described as housing the lead balls and certain others as housing the explosive caps. In some, if not all, instances a reverse arrangement from that disclosed is possible. Also the openings from the body and from the cap member have been described as exit or dispenser openings. They are of course useful also as entrance openings in the charging or filling of the areas of containment should it be desired to accomplish this without removing the cap member.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, de tail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In the art of musketry, means for capping a device adapted to serve as a container for powder, including a plug body, magazine receptacle means in said plug body providing separated areas of containment for lead balls and explosive caps, and means for separately and individually dispensing said balls sand said caps from said receptacle means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by said capping means including a cap member installed on said plug body to close said receptacle means, and said cap member providing dispensing means for said balls and caps.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing means includes a cap member mounted on and for index-ing movements relatively to said plug body in a rotary sense and has a dispenser opening, the receptacle means in said plug body providing circumferentially spaced cavities with which the dispenser opening in said cap member selectively aligns.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said receptacle means in said plug body includes means defining a centrally positioning recess and an arcuately disposing wall means in a rimming relation to said centrally positioning recess, said recess having an offset bore portion defining, in respect thereto, an entranceexit opening, and said dispenser opening being adapted to align with said offset bore portion and with separated areas of containment provided in said wall means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of individual, circumferentially spaced apart recesses a portion of which are sized to receive individual balls and another portion of which receives caps comprise said separated areas of containment which are arranged to selectively communicate with the dispensing means provided by said cap member.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by said dispensing means including means mounted to said plug body for indexing movements relatively thereto in a rotary sense, said mounted means positioning for the dispensing of balls and caps in different indexing positions and having a neutral position in which the dispensing is blocked.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there are means for attaching a shoulder strap to said mounted means, including a handle joining at an inner end to said mounted means and projecting substantially radially from said plug body and conveniently accessible at an outer end for manual adjustment of said mounted means to different indexing positions.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said magazine receptacle means includes a recess in said plug body, and a sleeve rotatable in said recess, said sleeve forming an area of containment for a supply of lead balls, said body and said sleeve having lateral openings aligned by an appropriate rotary adjustment of said sleeve to form a discharge pas-sage for the dispensing of said balls.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by a tubular means mounted to said sleeve to rotate therewith and forming an area of containment for a supply of explosive caps in a segregated relation to the supply of lead balls, said tubular means and said sleeve having aligning openings to form a discharge passage for the dispensing of caps, said plug body having a lateral opening with which said cap discharge passage is communicated by an appropriate rotary adjustment of said sleeve.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plug body has two lateral openings, one for dispensing of the lead balls and another for dispensing of the explosive caps, said openings being relatively widely spaced from one another in a circumferential sense, the sleeve opening through which said balls and caps respectively discharge being more closely spaced in a circumferential sense and said sleeve having a neutral position in which both said sleeve openings are closed and being movable angularly therefrom for selective dispensing of balls and caps.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plug body has a single lateral dispenser opening, the sleeve openings through which said balls and caps respectively discharge being circumferentially spaced apart, said sleeve having a neutral rotary position of adjustment in which an imperforate portion of said sleeve intermediate said openings therein aligns with said single body opening, said sleeve being angularly adjustable from neutral for selective dispensing of balls and caps.

12. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the lateral opening in said sleeve has side edges turned in toward the sleeve axis in a separating divergent fashion for a controlled access of the contained lead balls to this lateral opening. r

13. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said tubular means has a spiral configuration and the opening therein aligning with an opening in said sleeve being adjacent the lower end of said tubular means.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, constituting a kit to be custom fit to a powder horn, wherein said plug body is a block of material adapted to be form fit into the large end of a powder horn, said block having a principal area of containment formed in one face and including a central recess, a screw post mounted in the bottom of said recess centrally thereof and projecting upwardly through and beyond the plane of said face, a cap member apertured to fit over said screw post and seat on said face in closing relation to said recess, retention means on said screw post to hold said cap member seated on said block, said block and said cap member forming said capping means, and said means for separately and individually dispensingsaid lead balls and said explosive caps being provided in one of said block and cap member.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1, constituting a kit to be custom fit to a powder horn, wherein said plug body is a block of material adapted to be form fit into the large end of a powder horn, said block having means defining a recessed upper face having therein separated areas of containment for balls and percussion caps, said capping means further including a cap member adapted to seat to said upper face in a closing relation to said areas of containment therein, and aperture means in said cap member brought by relatively adjusting movements of said cap member into alignment with selected areas of containment in said upper face for the selective dispensing of balls and'caps, and means for mounting said cap member to said block with freedom of relative adjustment.

16. Body means according to claim 1, wherein said plug body has an upper face in which separate sets of recesses respectively accommodate balls and caps, said sets of recesses being in circumferentially offset relation, a cap member for the recesses in said plug body and a dispenser opening in said cap member having a configuration to include both sets of recesses in its reach.

, UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,775,889 Dated December 4, 1973 Inventor (s) Karl wilburn It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 55, "sapce" is amended to read space Column 7, line 5, "porjection" is amended to read I projection Column 9, line 6 of Claim 1, "sand" is amended to read and Column 9 line 3 of Claim 3, "index-ins is amended to I read indexing i I Column 9, 115a Claim 8, "pas-sage" is amended to read passage Signed and sealed this lL th day of May 1972.]..

(SEAL) Attest: C

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM npo'lroso 7 uscoMM-oc COSTS-P69 w .5. ao yznuusur pa nma omc: ms o-au-au.

Patent No.

Inventor(s) Column 4-, line Column 9, line Column 9, line Column 9, line (SEAL) Attest:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Dated December 4, 1973 Karl .wilburn It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

sapce" is amended to read space ,Column 7, line' 5, "porjection is amended to read projection EDWARD M.FLETCHEB,JR. Attesting Officer Claim 1, "sand" is amended to read and Claim 3, "index-inc is'amended to read indexing L 7 Claim 8, "pas-sage" is amended'to" read passage Signed and sealed this lLrth day of May 197LLQ c.- MAasHALL DANN v Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-lQSO (IO-6 3) 

1. In the art of musketry, means for capping a device adapted to serve as a container for powder, including a plug body, magazine receptacle means in said plug body providing separated areas of containment for lead balls and explosive caps, and means for separately and individually dispensing said balls sand said caps from said receptacle means.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by said capping means including a cap member installed on said plug body to close said receptacle means, and said cap member providing dispensing means for said balls and caps.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dispensing means includes a cap member mounted on and for index-ing movements relatively to said plug body in a rotary sense and has a dispenser opening, the receptacle means in said plug body providing circumferentially spaced cavities with which the dispenser opening in said cap member selectively aligns.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said receptacle means in said plug body includes means defining a centrally positioning recess and an arcuately disposing wall means in a rimming relation to said centrally positioning recess, said recess having an offset bore portion defining, in respect thereto, an entrance-exit opening, and said dispenser opening being adapted to align with said offset bore portion and with separated areas of containment provided in said wall means.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of individual, circumferentially spaced apart recesses a portion of which are sized to receive individual balls and another portion of which receives caps comprise said separated areas of containment which are arranged to selectively communicate with the dispensing means provided by said cap member.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by said dispensing means including means mounted to said plug body for indexing movements relatively thereto in a rotary sense, said mounted means positioning for the dispensing of balls and caps in different indexing positions and having a neutral position in which the dispensing is blocked.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein there are means for attaching a shoulder strap to said mounted means, including a handle joining at an inner end to said mounted means and projecting substantially radially from said plug body and conveniently accessible at an outer end for manual adjustment of said mounted means to different indexing positions.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said magazine receptacle means includes a recess in said plug body, and a sleeve rotatable in said recess, said sleeve forming an area of containment for a supply of lead balls, said body and said sleeve having lateral openings aligned by an appropriate rotary adjustment of said sleeve to form a discharge pas-sage for the dispensing of said balls.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by a tubular means mounted to said sleeve to rotate therewith and forming an area of containment for a supply of explosive caps in a segregated relation to the supply of lead balls, said tubular means and said sleeve having aligning openings to form a discharge passage for the dispensing of caps, said plug body having a lateral opening with which said cap discharge passage is communicated by an appropriate rotary adjustment of said sleeve.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said pLug body has two lateral openings, one for dispensing of the lead balls and another for dispensing of the explosive caps, said openings being relatively widely spaced from one another in a circumferential sense, the sleeve opening through which said balls and caps respectively discharge being more closely spaced in a circumferential sense and said sleeve having a neutral position in which both said sleeve openings are closed and being movable angularly therefrom for selective dispensing of balls and caps.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said plug body has a single lateral dispenser opening, the sleeve openings through which said balls and caps respectively discharge being circumferentially spaced apart, said sleeve having a neutral rotary position of adjustment in which an imperforate portion of said sleeve intermediate said openings therein aligns with said single body opening, said sleeve being angularly adjustable from neutral for selective dispensing of balls and caps.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the lateral opening in said sleeve has side edges turned in toward the sleeve axis in a separating divergent fashion for a controlled access of the contained lead balls to this lateral opening.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said tubular means has a spiral configuration and the opening therein aligning with an opening in said sleeve being adjacent the lower end of said tubular means.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 1, constituting a kit to be custom fit to a powder horn, wherein said plug body is a block of material adapted to be form fit into the large end of a powder horn, said block having a principal area of containment formed in one face and including a central recess, a screw post mounted in the bottom of said recess centrally thereof and projecting upwardly through and beyond the plane of said face, a cap member apertured to fit over said screw post and seat on said face in closing relation to said recess, retention means on said screw post to hold said cap member seated on said block, said block and said cap member forming said capping means, and said means for separately and individually dispensing said lead balls and said explosive caps being provided in one of said block and cap member.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 1, constituting a kit to be custom fit to a powder horn, wherein said plug body is a block of material adapted to be form fit into the large end of a powder horn, said block having means defining a recessed upper face having therein separated areas of containment for balls and percussion caps, said capping means further including a cap member adapted to seat to said upper face in a closing relation to said areas of containment therein, and aperture means in said cap member brought by relatively adjusting movements of said cap member into alignment with selected areas of containment in said upper face for the selective dispensing of balls and caps, and means for mounting said cap member to said block with freedom of relative adjustment.
 16. Body means according to claim 1, wherein said plug body has an upper face in which separate sets of recesses respectively accommodate balls and caps, said sets of recesses being in circumferentially offset relation, a cap member for the recesses in said plug body and a dispenser opening in said cap member having a configuration to include both sets of recesses in its reach. 